[an error occurred while processing this directive]

(tv) Not dead: Legendary former Chicago TV newsman speaks

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ chicagomedia.org :: Chicago Radio Discussion Forum ]

Posted by chicagomedia.org on May 29, 2008 at 21:51:41:

Russ Ewing is alive and well

Former Chicago TV newsman isn't ready to turn himself in to Grim Reaper yet

May 28, 2008

BY ROBERT FEDER Sun-Times Columnist

To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of Russ Ewing's death have been greatly exaggerated.

Ewing, the legendary former Chicago TV newsman whose claim to fame was getting more than 100 murder suspects to turn themselves in to him, called to say he's still alive and living in southwest Michigan.

What prompted the call were rumors that he had passed away. Although Ewing said he had no idea how the rumors got started, he and other family members fielded more than 30 calls last week inquiring about his demise.

"One woman called and asked me, 'Russ, are you dead?' he recalled with a chuckle. "I told her: 'I think I'm doing all right.' "

After three decades on the air at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5 and ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7, Ewing retired (and gave up his pilot's license) when he suffered two strokes in 1999. His wife, Ruth, died in 2004.

At age 84, Ewing said he has recovered from the strokes and feels in generally good health.

So what does he make of his alleged departure? "It didn't bother me too much," he said. "I took it pretty much as a joke."

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: Russ Ewing is alive and well : Former Chicago TV newsman isn't ready to turn himself in to Grim Reaper yet : May 28, 2008 : BY ROBERT FEDER Sun-Times Columnist : To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of Russ Ewing's death have been greatly exaggerated. : Ewing, the legendary former Chicago TV newsman whose claim to fame was getting more than 100 murder suspects to turn themselves in to him, called to say he's still alive and living in southwest Michigan. : What prompted the call were rumors that he had passed away. Although Ewing said he had no idea how the rumors got started, he and other family members fielded more than 30 calls last week inquiring about his demise. : "One woman called and asked me, 'Russ, are you dead?' he recalled with a chuckle. "I told her: 'I think I'm doing all right.' " : After three decades on the air at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5 and ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7, Ewing retired (and gave up his pilot's license) when he suffered two strokes in 1999. His wife, Ruth, died in 2004. : At age 84, Ewing said he has recovered from the strokes and feels in generally good health. : So what does he make of his alleged departure? "It didn't bother me too much," he said. "I took it pretty much as a joke."

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

Enter verification code:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ chicagomedia.org :: Chicago Radio Discussion Forum ]